Other Names #
- OMAR PASHA
Site Description #
- Schooner
- 133ft 41m Lengths
- 10fft 3m depths
- Stony Island, Lake Ontario
History #
The Tragic Tale of Schooner Omar Pacha: A Forgotten Shipwreck
Amidst the bitter cold and unforgiving waters of Lake Ontario lies the forgotten shipwreck of the schooner Omar Pacha. Built in 1854 at Oshawa, Ontario, this wooden three-masted schooner was once a proud vessel owned by Gooderham & Co. in Toronto. Tragically, its final voyage on November 25, 1862, ended in disaster off Stoney Island, New York, leaving behind a tale of bravery and loss.
The Omar Pacha, with a register tonnage of 220 tons, was designed to transport valuable cargoes across the Great Lakes. However, its fate was sealed during a harrowing blizzard. As the snowstorm engulfed the lake, the vessel, laden with wheat from Toronto, was driven ashore on Stoney Island. The violent impact caused the ship to break apart, with its masts jutting out at right angles from the hull, an eerie sight amidst the blinding snow.
Amidst the chaos, the crew of seven clung to the remains of the vessel, desperately seeking refuge. Slowly, they managed to traverse the shattered masts until they reached the safety of the snowy shoreline. It was a treacherous journey, and tragically, one crew member, the cook, was lost in the ordeal.
Stranded on Stoney Island, the crew endured a month of isolation, battered by the relentless winter conditions. Friends and loved ones back home had given up hope, believing them to be lost at sea. Their eventual rescue came when the lake froze over at the east end, allowing them to cross to Kingston in a sleigh.
The Omar Pacha’s wreckage would lie forgotten beneath the icy waters, its history buried with the passage of time. The shipwright Lamorse or Lummaree, who constructed this vessel, was known for his travels to various shipbuilding projects, crafting other notable vessels such as the schooner James Coleman in Dundas and the barque Reindeer in Coldwater.
It is worth noting that the schooner’s name, Omar Pacha, is a reference to an Austrian military officer who converted to Islam and gained fame as a Turkish general during the war against the Russians. The vessel’s launch coincided with the height of the Turkish general’s popularity.
Today, the wreck of the Omar Pacha remains an intriguing piece of maritime history, a silent witness to the dangers and challenges faced by sailors in the 19th century. As divers venture into the depths of Lake Ontario, they may stumble upon the remains of this forgotten schooner, paying homage to the brave souls who once sailed her stormy waters.
Remembering the Omar Pacha and the countless other shipwrecks scattered across the Great Lakes is essential in preserving our maritime heritage. Let us honor their memory and continue to explore and protect these underwater time capsules for generations to come.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on historical accounts and records. The wreck site may be subject to specific regulations and conditions for divers. Please exercise caution and respect the site when exploring shipwrecks in Lake Ontario.
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